The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) has not taken disciplinary action against dissident theologians since the election of Pope Francis, the National Catholic Reporter remarks.

The Reporter contacted several theologians whose work had come under scrutiny by the Vatican’s doctrinal congregation in the past. None had heard from the CDF since Pope Francis was elected in March 2013.

At least one priest who was disciplined by the CDF in the past, the Irish Father Tony Flannery, revealed that he had expected further disciplinary action after he defied a Vatican order by celebrating Mass despite his suspension from ministry. No steps have been taken, however, he said; he has not heard from Rome.

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If this is the case, then why not just deactivate the congregation and send those priests and bishops into parishes where they can see the result of the wishy-washy theology that is being preached?

Posted by: claude-ccc2991 -
Aug. 29, 2017 4:53 PM ET USA

"The work of the devil will infiltrate even into the Church in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals, bishops against other bishops...the Church will be full of those who accept compromises." (Quoted in "Akita, The Tears and Message of Mary", by Teiji Yasuda, O.S.V., page 196; Imprimatur by the Most Rev. John S. Ito, Bishop of Akita, Japan, who approved the Akita apparitions)

Posted by: Retired01 -
Aug. 29, 2017 2:40 PM ET USA

I wonder what would happen if a scientist/theologian begins to question whether climate change is the result of human intervention. Would the CDF start an investigation?

Posted by: jalsardl5053 -
Aug. 29, 2017 1:00 PM ET USA

When leadership fails to cull out differences that make a difference, confusion will reign supreme and everyone is implicitly authorized to pick and choose or even go their own way. The pope et. al. can give all the nice fine flowerly sermons and statements but it is, apparently, just a point of view among many.

Posted by: shrink -
Aug. 29, 2017 6:43 AM ET USA

Silence implies consent. But was Mueller acting on his own, or was he ordered to stand down by Bergoglio?

Posted by: james-w-anderson8230 -
Aug. 28, 2017 11:59 PM ET USA

More of the Francis effect.

Posted by: Randal Mandock -
Aug. 28, 2017 11:23 PM ET USA

Is it truly merciful to allow a wolf to continue to prey on the sheep? Must justice be delayed until the next life? Is public scandal no longer a blight on the entire Church? Dereliction of duty is also a crime. I guess this is what one could expect from another who rigidly adheres to a disdain for speculative and practical doctrines of proven certitude.